In press statements following his visit to Rafah governorate, the official described the allegations against Palestinians and those providing aid within the enclave as alarming.
Lazzarini asked the media to help combat misinformation and inaccuracies and emphasized the need to check the facts.
After 69 days of conflict, Gaza's civilian population is desperate, hungry and afraid, the senior official warned journalists gathered in Geneva.
“In suffering there is no competition. Ultimately there will be no winner in this war; “The longer it takes, the greater the loss and the deeper the pain,” he added.
The UNRWA Commissioner reiterated his call to seek a solution through an appropriate and genuine political process in order to put an end once and for all to the political conflict that has been unresolved for decades.
“It’s time for this to become a priority. Peace and stability: that is what the region deserves,” he emphasized.
At the same time, he warned of an increasingly urgent need for humanitarian assistance to prevent the already serious situation from worsening.
The official described the desperation of Rafah residents who, “out of utter desperation,” flag down trucks carrying supplies and immediately eat what they find.
“This has nothing to do with the diversion of aid funds,” he emphasized.
According to the Commissioner, only a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the enclave can help avoid the feeling of betrayal and abandonment by the international community.
For its part, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned this Thursday of the effects of the heavy rains that fell in Gaza yesterday.
The rains flooded many areas and worsened the situation for the displaced Palestinians.
The United Nations' ability to receive incoming aid is being significantly undermined, spokesman for the Secretary-General (António Guterres), Stéphane Dujarric, said today.
In particular, humanitarian efforts are hampered by the lack of trucks in the Gaza Strip; the ongoing fuel shortage; and telecommunications outages; and the increasing number of personnel unable to safely reach the Rafah crossing due to the intensity of hostilities.
“More aid and fuel will be needed to get to Gaza, but more capacity will also be needed in Gaza to handle the incoming aid,” he acknowledged.
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